The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced new, stricter health measures for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage (1447 AH), reaffirming its dedication to public health protection and disease prevention during the annual religious event.
In a circular issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health, all prospective pilgrims, including those from Nigeria, must prove they are physically and mentally fit and comply with an extensive vaccination protocol before being allowed entry into the Kingdom.
To safeguard participants, the guidelines identify certain medical conditions that automatically disqualify individuals from taking part in the pilgrimage.
These include major organ failure (heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys), severe chronic illnesses, dementia or senility, high-risk pregnancies, and cancer patients currently undergoing active treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Also ineligible are individuals with contagious diseases posing public health risks, such as tuberculosis and hemorrhagic fevers, along with those suffering from neurological or psychiatric disorders that affect judgment or endanger others’ safety.
According to the circular, “No pilgrim suffering from the listed diseases will be allowed to travel,” adding that health certificates will be strictly verified both before departure and upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Vaccination adherence remains central to the updated regulations, with the Ministry mandating valid certificates for COVID-19, Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY), Polio, and Yellow Fever.
Pilgrims must present proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination with a Saudi-approved vaccine, with the most recent dose administered between 2021 and 2025, at least two weeks before travel.
The Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY) vaccine must be received not more than five years and not less than ten days before arrival.
Nigerian pilgrims are specifically required to take a dose of the Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) or Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV/novel OPV2) at least four weeks before leaving the country, with evidence recorded on the International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card).
All travellers aged nine months and above must also show a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
Saudi authorities confirmed that full health screenings would be performed at all points of entry. Pilgrims who do not meet the health criteria risk being denied entry, isolated, or sent for further medical review.
Responding to the directive, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) advised intending pilgrims to begin vaccinations and health screenings early to prevent last-minute setbacks.
In a statement, NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the commission would partner with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and accredited tour operators to ensure complete compliance with Saudi Arabia’s new health rules.
She stressed that observing these new requirements would help avoid travel disruptions and safeguard the health of Nigerian pilgrims.
The Saudi Ministry of Health further noted that it retains the right to introduce additional preventive actions in consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO) should global disease outbreaks or health emergencies arise before or during the Hajj season.
